Sneak Peak Titanium Commander

[deezulsmoke]

I am building a few titanium commanders in various calibers. This one will be a .45. And the pics are just bench pics. I was just too excited not to share. I just got some frames back from EGW for CNC checkering today and as always, the checkering is flawless! I will do my best to keep up with the forum and visit more often, I know it seems like I just drop in, post some pics and then disappear, but between my medical issues (long story), building pistols, and trying to plan for more shop space, I have just not had time for the internet and computer at all lately.:ticking:
The new shop will have all of the benches at chair working height so that I can do more of the building and machining while sitting down so that will really help. Nothing of the Pistolsmith 1000 caliber, just a nice 10X15 building with heat and AC and enough electricity to run all of the machinery. Anyway, here are some very preliminary build pics. You can even still see some of the red layout dye if you look real close.

Jess

 

[10-Ring]

Sweet! I can only imagine a Ti-1911 maybe w/ carbon fiber grips...look forward to seeing the final results

 

[distra]

Hey, that looks like...it is mine!

 

[treebeard]

You wish....that's mine I just picked up yesterday! Don't I wish.

 

[brownie0486]

deezulsmoke

Any idea what these will weigh in at when completed?

Are you building them to sale, or for your own use. If your goal is to sell a few, I'd be interested in the final product and perhaps ordering one built to my specs with the Ti frame.

Brownie

 

[distra]

Treebeard, Hopefully Jess will get it done before February (i.e. my birthday). Bobtailed, clear coated, and EGW goodies inside. I'm going with Novak sights and not sure yet on the grips. Mama likes the grey ones that Jess has on there now, but I'm think Cocabola would be classy The only down side is I have to pay for it not much 'cause Jess hooked me up. I'm getting excited about shooting this one. I love 1911's

 

[Walkalong]

Very Cool!

 

[Brian Williams]

I would love a titanium with both a Commander and a Govt slide fitted. Nice setup.

 

[thunder]

Wow, that'll be a great shooter. It's already caused quite a stir, lots of interest. You could probably make a nice profit from these. Keep us updated.

 

[shaggycat]

That's going to be beautiful!

 

[The Real Hawkeye]

Is it only the frame that's titanium, or frame and slide too?

 

[conan]

If George Washington were alive today, that is what he would carry. A titanium 1911. Man, I want one of those!

 

[distra]

The frame is Ti and the slide is stainless, tungsten carbide on the rails. Jess is going to leave the frame and slide as is, polished a bit and maybe a clear coat. Novak sights and a bobtailed of course to finish it off. With some luck, it might be done for a sweet b-day present to myself.

 

[deezulsmoke]

Thanks for all of the interest. The problem is that this is the last of the Titanium. I will check with Caspian to see if they have anything left, but the company that was casting the Ti for them has decided not to do it anymore and they have not founds anyone yet to pick up for the old company. So this will be the last of the last for a while. Last time I checked, they had a few 5 inch guns with mag wells and some with tac rails, but I would not be suprised if they are not all gone. Like I said, I will check with them tomorrow and see if there is anything left at all. If you are all interested in anything Ti, then PM me and I will let you know if there is anything left. Best thing to do would be to email me rather than PM on the forum. I don't get over here everyday.

Jess

 

[deezulsmoke]

Forgot to mention that one of the commanders is mine, one is for Distra and then there is another one for another customer. Mine will be built using a 9MM/38 Super type frame. I will fit one barrel to shoot 9X19 Luger and then fit another barrel that will shoot 38 Super and 9X23 so I will get three calibers out of one commander. Mine will also be bobtail. The last gun will also be the 3 caliber 9MM but it will have a Ti beavertail and MSH with no bobtail. And most of the guns will be finished "naked" with a clear Duracoat over the top for protection. The rails have been treated with Tungsten Oxide to prevent galling between the stainless slide and the Ti frames. And the hand fit between the slide and frame is pure religion. These slides are like on ball bearings with NO vertical or horizontal play whatsoever. I am just doing the basic build for everyone right now. No flat tops, borders or serrations. Just straight up 1911. Then they can shoot them for a time and then decide if they want to add any bells and whistles later. For right now, mine will have the stainless slide, but I have been thinking pretty hard about ordering a Damascus slide for it. If you are gonna spend the money, why not go all the way over the top eh?

Jess

 

[deezulsmoke]

And the news from Caspian is that there are MORE Ti frames available now and I will be waiting with pencil in hand to take your orders!

Jess

 

[possum]

nice, i can't wait to see the finished gun, that is gonna be sweet!

 

[Grayrock]

I'm guessing this is in the category of "If you have to ask how much, then you can't afford it."

 

[Norm357]

Price? I would love a commander bobtail in .45.

 

[brownie0486]

deezulsmoke;


I'm interested in a 45acp commander, send me an email on cost, approximate turnaround, funds needed to order, etc.

arizonaqkr "at" yahoo.com

Brownie

 

[351 WINCHESTER]

I wonder how much she will weigh?

 

[Grayrock]

With the weight savings I bet it makes one punishing handful of combustion!

 

[Zak Smith]

The Titanium-framed Commander splits the difference in weight between a LW (aluminum) Commander and a Combat Commander.

............... Larger version of above photo.

 

[brownie0486]

The Ti frame is heavier than the aluminum frame?

Brownie

 

[Zak Smith]

Density (g/cm^3):

Al - approx 2.8
Ti - approx 4.5
Steel - approx 7.8

Here is a good overview of the three materials from a bike-making perspective
http://spokesmanbicycles.com/page.cfm?PageID=331

Basically, Ti is a little heavier than Al, but it has much better tensile and fatigue strength. It is also a lot harder to work with.